Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (Galatians 6:1) Reading the very first verse of today's chapter felt like it is targeted at me.
I have been quite discouraged recently, and was deciding to leave things as it is and not do anything more. Because sometimes, trying to steer someone onto the righteous path is so difficult. They might just throw these words in your face: "Haa-naa, you are very holy."
Sometimes, trying to walk on this path yourself is even more difficult, because you are tempted to go with the others who have left this path. In fact, you know you are not holy at all; rather, you are hoping that there are others who would strive to be holy with you.
This verse seems to be a reminder for me to continue to "restore him in a spirit of gentleness". How should I go about it?
I have been feeling like I have been trying too hard in too many things. So, I am trying to take a back seat in some things. Afterall, each will have to bear his own load, right? There is only so much I can do. As long as I've tried, that's good enough?
For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. (Galatians 6:15)
What really matters is not whether you are circumcised or not, but that after one receives Christ, he becomes a new creation.
As I am reading this verse, it seems to me that the new creation that Paul was talking about is something that we have to do to make it happen. In other words, it is not simply that after we are washed in baptism, we emerged out of the water, already being new creation; but that we need to make sure that we actively seek to be a new creation after we are baptised into Christ. And we have the ability to make that happen, because we have the Holy Spirit to guide and give us strength!
Therefore, Paul was saying, whether you do circumcision or not, it does not matter; what matters is that you (do) become a new creation. ie you do something to change yourself for the better, more Christ-like.
Have we truly become a new creation after believing in Christ Jesus? We can't sit and wait for it to happen. We need to make it happen, by our actions, our conduct, our speech, and by the decisions we make in our every day life.
One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. (Galatians 6:6)
This verse intrigued me a little, probably because I am a teacher.
What good things will my student share with me? It's kind of an interesting question...
But, well..... I can think of one now.
A truth-seeker whom we came into contact with through our door-to-door evangelism efforts has been fervently studying the bible with us and has decided to be baptised!
This is indeed the best gift I can ever receive as one who teaches, I suppose. And by her decision to get baptised, that is also the best gift I can ever give to my student.
It is happening this Saturday, and I can already imagine the joy as angels in heaven are rejoicing together with us :)
May God bless.
1 comment:
I am tempted to give up too at times while walking along this path, but still we must strive on because we are not home yet.
Interesting how you pointed out that verse how students can share something good with their teachers. I was thinking about my lower primary students. All three of them are boys, but the thing about them is that they are very eager to learn more, eager to please, eager to help, eager to play, and eager to ask and answer questions. I like their contributions but eagerness does come with the lack of patience. And so I hope they build up their patience little by little, as they wait a little while longer before I come around to them. But I think I see myself just as eager as them to do things too, but my eagerness is always short-lived. I hope to strive to be more Christ-like, to nurture the fruit of the Spirit.
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